Lahja Nashuuta  

They say that success basically happens when preparation runs into an opportunity.

The reason why success for people looks like an elusive goal is because they are hardly prepared, let alone have a clear-cut sense of direction.

This is why the story of Lourence Benolerence Lukas is intriguing at best.

Here is a petrol attendant who dared to dream beyond the service station.

From the very bottom of the food chain, Lukas now counts money for the Namibian government as an accountant at the ministry of education in the Kunene region.

The Khorixas native ran into his luck almost a decade ago when he scooped an opportunity to extend his educational qualification at the International University of Management.

He has never looked back since.

Narrating his story, Lukas said, “After a few years on the streets, I was working as a petrol attendant at Khorixas’ Engen Service station when I learnt of an opportunity to study at IUM.”

Between 2011 and 2014, he completed his bachelor’s degree in finance management.

This, he said, was a gigantic move from being a learner at Welwitchia Primary School, who later matriculated at the Outjo Secondary School in 2005.

This is because public perception only expects learners from prominent town centres to succeed academically, even though this notion has been debunked time and again.

Even Lukas himself thought he was going to grow into a prominent sportsperson rather than public administration. 

“I was actively participating in sports, especially football,” he told New Era this week, revealing that he was, however, appointed as an accountant at the directorate of education in Kunene.

The transition to full-time employment and professional etiquette was not difficult, though, as he was a full-time student. He does not take his role for granted.

“I got an opportunity of employment in the public sector, and considering my previous struggles before I went for studies, it is a dream job,” he added.

This dream, he added, is further put in perspective by the current huge unemployment gap in the local job market.

“I look at the limitations around, especially considering the competition between those who are already experienced and those who are not, as well as the high unemployment in Namibia,” Lukas said.

One the job

At the ministry, Lukas is responsible for budgeting at the regional level.

His responsibilities, are to make S&T payments to staff members who perform official duties outside their duty station.

“I commit DSA to various main divisions within the subsistence and travelling votes on the directorate. This helps to control and monitor the availability of funds as per the regional budget,” he added, noting that all the advance direct claims must be verified for correctness before approval by the regional director.

Unlike some civil servants who may be caught catnapping on the job, Lukas said he always gives his best 100% “to make sure we deliver the needed service”. This is further inspired by the fact that he is a professed willing learner. As such, over the years, he claims to have obtained the much-needed experience.

“I try to give all I can to the satisfaction of the clients we serve. There is job security, and the benefits we get in terms of remuneration and growth are commendable,” he added.

He further does not believe in the perception that civil servants are lazy and incompetent.

“I don’t agree at all. We are all expected to play a role, and deliver as expected. We are guided by rules and regulations,” said Lukas, who further maintained that his primary wish is to reach the highest level within his profession.

He is determined to work for the government for as long as he can, unless a better opportunity arises.

“My wish is to move up to the highest level within my profession, and create wealth for my children and family.” He is currently pursuing an advanced diploma in management. -lnashuuta@gmail.com